Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book Review Podcast
"Teaching My Cat to Read" is a book podcast that adds a unique comedic twist to literary discussions - thinking what our cat would think of this book. Discover answers to questions like, "Who would emerge victorious in a fight between Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennett?" or "Who funded the grant money for Victor Frankenstein's experiments?" And don't forget, we never fail to ask the important question: "What rating would our cat give this book?" Tune in every other week for brand new episodes that guarantee laughter and literary discussion. P.s. We have content warnings for each episode, please check them to make sure it’s your cup of tea!
Episodes
This week, we’re stepping into the quiet village of St. Mary Mead—where, naturally, a murder has just taken place. We're talking about Murder at the Vicarage, Agatha Christie’s first full length novel to feature the sharp-eyed, quietly brilliant Miss Marple.
In this episode, we dig into what makes this book such a good introductory read to one of Christie’s most beloved detectives. We’ll talk red herrings, small-town secrets, a...
In this mini episode we re-cap the Agatha Christie Novel “Death on the Nile”. Note, we will spoil the plot of this book in this mini episode.
The Back of the book:
“The tranquility of a cruise along the Nile is shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway has been shot through the head. She was young, stylish and beautiful, a girl who had everything – until she lost her life.
Hercule Poirot recalls an earlier outburst by...
We’re back for part two of our deep dive into Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir—because let’s be honest, one episode wasn’t nearly enough. In this follow-up discussion, we’re untangling all the parts we didn't get to discuss in the first half - where things get even more mind-bending, the emotional stakes rise, and the mysteries lurking behind the Locked Tomb start to come into sharper (and stranger) focus.
We’ll talk about the r...
We’re back in the world of necromancers and space palaces with *Harrow the Ninth* by Tamsyn Muir—and things are even weirder (and more brilliant) than before. If you caught our episode on *Gideon the Ninth*, you know we’re already obsessed with this series. Now, we’re diving headfirst into Harrow’s fractured mind, impossible timelines, and a story that refuses to play by the rules.
In the next two episodes, we unpack the chaos, th...
Before we read and discuss the second book in “The Locked Tomb” series, we thought we would revisit the first book, “Gideon the Ninth”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book.
The Back of the Book:
“The Emperor needs necromancers.
The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.
Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense.
Brought up by unfriend...
In this episode, we’re digging into *The Red-Headed League*, one of the most clever and entertaining short stories from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes collection. Join us as we follow Holmes and Watson through a bizarre case involving a mysterious job posting, a suspicious employer, and a scheme that’s far more serious than it first appears.
We’ll talk about the charm of Holmes’s deductive genius, the humor woven in...
In this episode, we’re talking all things The Hunger Games—the book that took the world by storm and redefined YA dystopian fiction. We’ll dive into what makes this story so gripping, from the intense survival stakes to the sharp social commentary woven into Panem’s brutal world.
We’ll break down Katniss Everdeen as a protagonist, the tension of the Games, and the deeper themes of power, control, and rebellion that still feel just a...
Join us for an in-depth conversation as we explore Charlotte Brontë’s classic, Jane Eyre. In this episode, we chat about the unforgettable journey of Jane—from her early struggles as an orphan to her quest for independence and love. We dive into the many layers of social commentary, Gothic atmosphere, and the fierce resilience that makes this novel a timeless favorite.
We’ll share our insights on the themes of class, gender, an...
In this Mini episode, we’re back to the world of Shakespeare with “Much Ado About Nothing”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book.
The Back of the Book:
“The primary plot of Much Ado About Nothing turns on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor, Claudio, but the witty war of words between Claudio's friend Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice ...
Join us for a chat as we dive into Naomi Novik’s Throne of Jade, the second installment in the Temeraire (His Majesty’s Dragon) series. In this episode, we discuss about the epic blend of historical intrigue, vibrant dragon lore, and complex characters that bring this story to life.
We’ll share our thoughts on the rich worldbuilding and the unforgettable bond between captain and dragon, explore the challenges of navigating ancient p...
In our final Austen discussion, we turn our attention to Mansfield Park. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about Jane Austen’s classic as we explore its characters, intricate plot, and enduring social commentary.
Throughout the episode, we examine Austen’s narrative and have a think if our pet cat would approve of this novel. If you appreciate “in-depth” (with Wikipedia) literary discussions with a friendly tone, this episode i...
In this episode of Teaching My Cat to Read, we’re diving into the heartwarming and deeply thought provoking sci-fi novel A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers.
We have a chat about the book’s big themes: identity, belonging, the meaning of family, and what it means to build a life—whether you’re human, an AI, or something in between. With its dual storyline, we’ll follow Lovelace, an AI struggling to adapt to her new huma...
Please note: this episode contains MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS for the book if you haven’t read it yet from the start
In this Mini episode, we return to the world of the Wayfarer with “The Long Way to a Small, Angry, Planet”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book.
The Back of the Book:
“Follow a motley crew on an exciting journey through space-and one adventurous young explorer...
In this week’s episode of Teaching My Cat to Read, we’re entering into the world of Macbeth—a play packed with witches, ambition, and one very messy quest for power. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or just curious about all the drama, this episode is for you!
We’ll chat about those three witches and their prophecies, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s wild journey from power couple to full-blown chaos executors, and why this tale still ...
In this episode, we go back to the Discworld to discuss the book “Wyrd Sisters”, by Terry Pratchett. The second book in the Witches series, “Wyrd Sisters” parodies and satires “Macbeth, by William Shakespeare” (which we discuss in the episode after this one).
We discuss which character would be the only human in the muppets adaptation, critique on theatre, as well as discussing our favourite metaphor of the book (feat. “the fo...
In this special Christmas Episode of “Teaching My Cat to Read”, we discuss the classic children’s novel “The lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” By CS Lewis. We discuss, Christian Allegory, the enchanted Turkish Delights, character arcs and how not to die in a Wardrobe.
What rating do we think our cat will give this book? Listen to find out!
Content Warnings
Mild Swearing
Recommend us a Book!
If there’s a ...
Happy Halloween! For today’s spooky special episode, we welcome back friend of the pod and Jekyll and Hyde aficionado Charlotte to discuss Secret Crimes, queer readings and cat ratings. Featuring in-depth Utterson discussion, trans woman Hyde, the politics of disgust and unexpected time cops.
Content Warnings
Swearing
Please note, as of this episode, we are no longer bleeping swear words on this podcast.
In this 4th bonus episode for our 3rd series, we discuss the final 2 episodes, episodes 7 and 8, of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2, “Daes Dae'mar” and “What Was Meant to Be".
We talk about the episodes in relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot wise after those books. We do spoil the episodes, so make sure yo...
In this bonus episode, we discuss episodes 5 and 6 of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2, “Damane” and “Eyes Without Pity”.
We talk about the episodes in relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot wise after those books.
Episode 5, Damane: Moiraine and Rand run to save their lives, as Selene still appears to be alive; Egwene a...
In this bonus episode, we discuss episodes 3 and 4 of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2.
In this episode we focus on episodes 3 and 4 of Series 2 (“What might be” and “Daughter of the Night”). In relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot wise after those books.
“What Might Be”: To become an Accepted, Nynaeve must overcome h...
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